SPU and QNW launch a summer school for Indigenous women leaders

Starting today until August 10, 2018, a dozen Indigenous women will gather at the Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop at Saint Paul University to take part in the QNW–SPU Summer School, an intensive course on Indigenous women’s governance in Quebec. The result of a Memorandum of Understanding between SPU and Quebec Native Women (QNW), this program, which is offered in English, will allow participants to develop their governance skills.

Two partners in syncAccording to Viviane Michel, president of QNW, “It’s incredibly important that our Indigenous women have access to the necessary tools and resources to empower them to become leaders and agents of change in their community.” For Chantal Beauvais, rector of Saint Paul University, creating this school was a natural step. “This partnership,” she explains, “aligns perfectly with Saint Paul University’s commitment to indigenize the institution and work on renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition, respect and mutual trust.”

Empowered for changeIn this spirit of cooperation, QNW and SPU set up a practical 3-credit course intended to reinforce in a concrete way participants’ ability to carry out their leadership role. Rooted in Indigenous women’s perspectives, the training will emphasize the acquisition of knowledge, know-how and leadership skills, and will explore traditional and modern practices; roles and structures modelled by colonization; leadership issues, roles and powers; empowerment; and resistance strategies and tactics.

By and for Indigenous womenThe training will naturally build on Indigenous teaching methods. Because the land is a key teaching tool for Indigenous peoples, it was essential for the partners to take the School’s activities beyond the University campus to reinforce this relationship with the land. Elder Annie Smith St-Georges will therefore preside at the opening and closing spiritual and cultural ceremonies on Victoria Island, as well as at teaching sessions.

Participants will receive a certificate of recognition at a ceremony that will take place on Friday, August 10, 2018. This event will be an occasion to honour the participants for their role as leaders.

“The QNW-USP Summer School is an opportunity for Indigenous women leaders to gather strength to continue to make a difference in their community and in the Canadian society.”

Anny Morissette, Ph.D., professor at Saint Paul University, and designated instructor of the QNW–SPU Summer School